Amazon’s video-streaming device to arrive next month

Amazon is planning to start shipments for its video-streaming device early next month via its website and other retailers including Best Buy and Staples.

With pricing remaining unclear, the new device will operate on Google’s Android software, while it comes with a range of apps accessible on Roku and Apple set-top boxes, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The new device would put the online retailer in direct competition with existing devices, including the Roku device, Apple TV and Google’s Chromecast dongle.

Recent reports reveal that the device would also offer Amazon more access to its own streaming-video service, for which it creates original programming.

In development since April 2013, the Amazon dongle will be shipped with a simple remote control. A more advanced controller is expected to be sold separately.

The Amazon device could come with a range of third party apps such as streaming music services, movies and games.